At the Durango Arts Center (DAC) you can enjoy the visual arts, theater, dance, live music, and education programs for children and adults. The building housing DAC, was once home to a car dealership and is right across the street from Steamworks Brewery (for other artisan pursuits). In 1997, the community collaborated to fund and renovate the 17,000-square-foot building, which is now home to a gallery, theater, arts library, studio space, and more.
Unfortunately, I missed the Patsy Cline show, and limited my visit to the the downstairs art gallery and gift shop areas. I love finding these regional cooperative art centers, as there are always many interesting pieces, a diverse representation of local artists, reasonable prices, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, and no tourist-related schlock. And outside of the nearby Open Shutter (Contemporary Fine Art Photography), DAC was easily the best place in Durango to go for visual gallery pleasure and the best quality for the artistic dollar.
I ended up buying a nice multi-coloured piece of glass that hangs from a handsome and hefty metal pedestal. I bought it for Gayle, but coveted it myself. The DAC staff person wrapped it carefully and successfully for the long journey home. And even though our combined household is cluttered enough, there's always a place in our home for quality art such as this. read more